The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67180

Elizabeth Lynne Rink, LCSW, Elvia Graves, Petra Flores, Patricia Parsons, MPH, CHES, and Jessica Kelly, MPH, CHES. Benton County Health Department, 530 NW 27th Street, PO Box 579, Corvallis, OR 93770

The goals of the Promotora Program are to increase the awareness of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C prevention by 80% among Latinos and to increase access and awareness of prenatal and perinatal care of Hispanic women and children by 80% who are living in a rural community in Oregon. Public health problems facing Latinos living in rural communities in Oregon include lack of access to primary health care, lack of access to mental health and alcohol and drug treatment, lack of access to dental care, lack of prenatal and perinatal care, and lack of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C prevention outreach. Components of the program include the following: 1) Implementation of a Latino health promotion outreach program in a rural community by utilizing promotoras de salud, 2) Access to medical and dental services through enrollment in the Oregon Health Plan, 3) HIV Testing and counseling, and 4) Coordination with existing community groups to implement and promote the program. The program is evaluated using pre and post tests to determine change in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about health related topics among program participants. The program is conducted using individual and group level interventions base on a popular education model in non traditional health care settings such as in churches, food banks, and small businesses and agricultural settings. The program is funded through grants from the North West Health Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session the learner in this session will be able to
• List five strategies for conducting health promotion outreach in a Latino community.
• Develop and implement an outreach program in non traditional health care settings that address disease prevention among Latinos
• Evaluate program effectiveness

Keywords: Disease Prevention, Lay Health Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Benton County Health Department North West Health Foundation Komen Foundation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.